Mamata Banerjee Confident of TMC's Victory in 2026 West Bengal Elections

Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, has expressed strong confidence that her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), will win over 200 seats in the upcoming 2026 assembly elections. She has dismissed exit polls suggesting a BJP advantage, citing past inaccuracies in such predictions. Banerjee has instructed her party's counting agents to remain vigilant and report any irregularities during the counting process. As tensions rise ahead of the vote counting, she emphasizes the importance of transparency and calm among her supporters.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 3, 2026, 07:14 IST

Mamata Banerjee's Bold Claim Ahead of Vote Counting

The Chief Minister of West Bengal and leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Mamata Banerjee, has made a significant assertion ahead of the vote counting for the 2026 assembly elections. She confidently stated that her party is set to secure over 200 seats. Banerjee dismissed exit poll predictions that suggested the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would outperform TMC in seat counts.

Mamata's Stance on Exit Polls

Mamata Banerjee refuses to accept the notion that her party might lose power in West Bengal. Various exit polls have indicated that she could be losing her grip on the state, with predictions of a BJP-led government emerging. Historically, exit poll results in Bengal have often proven to be inaccurate. Banerjee remains confident that she will return to power.

Mamata Banerjee's Remarks

Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of West Bengal:
These exit polls are worthless. They are conducted merely to influence the stock market.

Reasons Behind Mamata's Confidence

Banerjee pointed out that exit polls from the 2021 and 2024 elections were completely off the mark. She believes that the results this time will mirror those of previous elections. She urged her party's counting agents to disregard the BJP's propaganda.

Instructions to TMC Workers

Two days prior to the counting, Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee convened a meeting with all TMC counting agents. Mamata instructed them to demand a recount if any TMC candidate loses by a margin of 200-300 votes. She emphasized that no counting agent should leave the counting center until the entire process is completed and to report any unusual activities immediately to the party leadership.

Learning from Nandigram

Abhishek Banerjee referenced the events of Nandigram in 2021, urging agents to report any irregularities without delay. Nandigram is notable as the constituency where Mamata Banerjee lost to her former ally, Suvendu Adhikari.

Current Situation in West Bengal Post-Elections

Just before the counting, chaos erupted at two counting centers in Kolkata. TMC leaders alleged a lack of transparency regarding the storage of EVM machines, raising concerns about potential tampering in the strong room. Re-voting was necessary at 15 booths. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4, following the voting that took place on April 29. Mamata Banerjee has urged party workers to conduct the counting process with complete calmness and vigilance.